A comparative immunohistochemical study on a galanin-like peptide in the neuroendocrine system of the alimentary canal of three species of siluriform catfishes.

Immunohistochem. examn. of the galaninergic and the diffuse endocrine systems of the alimentary canal of 3 catfish species, Ameiurus melas, Silurus glanis, and Clarias gariepinus, showed the presence of galanin-like immunoreactive endocrine cells in the stomachs and the proximal intestines and a galanin-like immunoreactivity within the enteric intramural neurons. The 3 species differed notably in the relative abundance of galaninergic neurons of the digestive system. A galanin-like peptide was detected in a high no. of nerve bundles and nerve fibers running through the exocrine parenchyma and the endocrine islets of the pancreas of all 3 species. It is conceivable that the galaninergic system in these species plays a role in regulating gut muscle activity, in modulating mucosal secretive and absorptive processes, and in controlling pancreatic hormone secretion. [on SciFinder (R)]